The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Party tips from Atlantans who cook for celebrities
During the holidays, Tony Conway’s Atlanta-based catering company, Legendary Events, had 161 parties to execute. But Conway, a veteran of the hospitality business for 40 years who’s known for making the impossible happen for clients such as Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, doesn’t sound the least bit anxious about it over the phone recently. He sounds positively sedate, the epitome of grace and composure.
“Hosting a party is all about being prepared,” says Conway, “and having a great team to get it all done. At Legendary Events and Flourish (his special-event venue in Buckhead), I feel sort of like the orchestra conductor, and my team members are the players. We know the music, and we have a network in place to help when we break a string or lose an instrument.”
The same philosophy, he says, can be applied to hosting parties. But even if Miss Winfrey or Mr. Perry aren’t in attendance, hosting can still be nerve racking.
So how do you throw a shindig and still manage to feel merry and bright?
“Prepare ahead,” says Archna Becker, restaurateur and owner of Bhojanic in Buckhead, Bhojanic Market on the Emory campus and, since October, at Georgia Tech. Becker’s special love of food and music have a made her a favorite of award-winning musicians such as Dave Matthews, Yo Yo Ma, Phish, Widespread Panic and members of the Rolling Stones and the Allman Brothers Band. “Try not to cook at all the day of the party,” says Becker. “You don’t want to be so exhausted that you can’t enjoy yourself.”
That “be prepared” theme seems to resonate with professionals. Gena Berry, founder and owner of Culinary Works who styles and creates meals and dishes for film and television, agrees. If MacGyver needs a meatloaf bomb, Berry’s the go-to-gal. She’s also the director of culinary operations at prestigious events such as the Charleston Wine + Food festival and kitchen director at Churchill Downs and Atlanta Food & Wine festival.
“I always advise home caterers to do as much in advance as possible,” says Berry. She recommends making detailed lists, and bagging and labeling garnishes and food items for the day of. “You can even set the table in advance,” Berry recommends. She suggests thinking beyond the menu to linens and serving dishes, labeling and looking them over as the date nears so that you can make small changes in case there is a change in your guest count. “Save nothing for the last minute,” Berry advises, “because something will always come up.”
Conway recommends creating a network of professionals, from florists to last-minute food-to-go, as another key in pulling off a successful soiree. Berry says to make friends with chefs and purveyors near you who can provide food items at a lower cost, or who you can borrow or rent items from. “The idea is to have people on the ground, so to speak, that are a phone call away and who specialize in specific tasks to help you get the job done,” says Conway, who’s created elaborate affairs for Winfrey in less than three days.
Another big aspect, says Becker, is to choose items for your menu that are easy to execute. “A party for 25 at your home is not the time to test a new recipe for something complicated,” she says. “Keep it simple. There are plenty of delicious recipes that are easy to prepare ahead. Don’t make anything to order.”
Part of keeping it simple is hiring people to help you, says Berry. “It’s not that expensive, and is totally worth the relief it provides,” she says.
With all this networking and preparation, what taboos are lurking to unhinge all your welllaid plans?
“Make sure your menu accommodates everyone from gluten- and nut-free to vegetarians,” says Berry. “Options make for happy guests.”
Becker recommends varying textures, flavors and spices – and not just in the food. “Your table and buffet area should be like a composition,” she says. “Vary the colors and textures to create interest and appeal.” Another insider tip? Keep ‘bad breath’ items to a minimum, says Berry.
With all these pieces in place, once the party starts, your affair will jingle all the way, and you can relax and enjoy.